Jerald William Wilharms

After 66 years of a wonderful life, Jerry has taken “the long black train” to his final destination on Monday,  January 14, 2019, passing away from pancreatic cancer.  He was born May 12, 1952, the son of the late  Earl R. Wilharms and Verna (Burchard) Wilharms Schwalbach.  Jerry was a graduate of Menasha High School Class of 1970.  He worked for Gulf State Utilities in Baton Rouge, Louisiana before moving back to Wisconsin, retiring from Wisconsin Public Service in 2010 after 24 years of service.  He thought the world of his co-workers, especially, Steve Boneck (Senator) and missed them when he retired.

Jerry had many interests including riding his Harley, enjoying numerous trips with Joan, their biker friends (especially Steve Wardius and Terri Monfils) and family.  He was so talented - loved music, dancing, hunting, archery, hosting many many annual corn roasts at their home in Dale.  He was never afraid to tackle a project, organizing many renovations at the home in Dale.  Jerry never ever met a stranger with an uncanny ability to make that person feel special within minutes of meeting them.  Family and friends were a priority in his life.  He so enjoyed his Bud Lite or whatever was cheaper as he was known as “Mister Thrifty”.  Jerry would like to be remembered for his “red bow house” decorations at Christmas.  He will miss his Thursday afternoon ”meetings” with the guys followed by joining his friends at Jimmers.

He will be missed by all his friends especially Dan (Smitty) Smith, Bob (Broadway) Polsin, Dave Thurber,  Dick Muench and Jeff (Monkey) Moran.

Survivors include his wife, Joan Marie (Cleveland) Wilharms, two sons: John David Wilharms (Alabama) and Jeffrey Lee Wilharms (Oshkosh); two daughters: Jodi Marie (Bryan) Blair (Alabama) and Jennifer Marie (fiancé Pete Davis)  Frank (New London); brother: Joe (Millie) Wilharms (Menasha); two sisters: Jan (Allan) Kraetsch (Rosholt); Jenny Koerner (Manawa); half-sister: Joy (Tim) Loendorf; five grandchildren Sabriana Marie Frank, Dylan Charles Wilharms, Rouge Isabel Wilharms, Ethen John Samp, Makalah Ann Wilharms, Sadie Annemarie Wilharms, one great-grandchild Lillianna Mae Kerber (New London).  He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Muriel (Mom) Cleveland;  brothers-in-law: Randy (Carol) Cleveland, Curt (Connie) Cleveland, Scott (Angie) Cleveland, Chris also known by Jerry as “Hippie” (Beth) Cleveland, Guy (Cheryl) Cleveland, Rich (Carrie) Cleveland; sisters-in-law: Susan (Larry) Janes, Linda (Mike) Bail.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and close friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents: Joseph and Hilda Wilharms; aunt and uncle: Viola and Bill Hall; brother: James S Wilharms: father-in-law: Richard Lewis Cleveland; brothers-in-law, Dennis A. Koerner and Mark Cleveland.

Visitation will be held at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Greenville, Sunday, January 20, 2019 from 1 to 3 with a service immediately after visitation.

We will always remember your lectures of love-Jennifer, Jodi, John and Jeff.

”Bad Reindeer”, ha ha, got ya! Love Jenny

As Jerry would always say “K.I.S.S. - Keep It Simple Stupid”.

“From the very first dance you captured my heart!  We will forever dance together in my heart.”  Love you, Joan, his wife of 27 years and love of his life.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jerald William Wilharms, please visit our floral store.